November 06, 2018

Focus on the art of watchmaking

In 2019, the independent watchmakers of “Les Ateliers” will be exhibiting in a central location in Hall 1.0 South.

Their names are associated with the genuine art and craft of watchmaking, inspiring creativity and sophisticated mechanisms: the independent watchmakers have had a firm place in the Baselworld portfolio for a long time now and are among the real crowd puller. In the 2019 edition, they will enjoy a new andcentral location for their “Les Ateliers” area: in Hall 1.0 South hence on the same level as the world’s most famous watch and jewellery brands.

“Les Ateliers has become one of the show’s real trademarks”, explains Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld. “The new positioning takes account of the great interest. It's where we provide the best of the independent watchmakers a grand stage for their outstanding creations.” Among the exhibitors in 2019 are prominent names like Ferdinand Berthoud, MB&F, Kari Voutilainen and Urwerk.

Karl Friedrich-Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard and founder of Ferdinand Berthoud, views the new positioning of Les Ateliers as a very positive move: “I believe that the smaller, independent brands will be able to profit greatly from the extraordinary visibility of this new place. This will have a positive impact on all Les Ateliers exhibitors. I expect more public and it will give all involved the chance to raise their level of awareness. In recent years, Les Ateliers has rightly been a magnet for visitors. And now this area is increasingly becoming a centre of attention. This takes account of the fact that the exceptional timepieces on display there are not just of interest for collectors and connoisseurs but also for the public at large. Particularly as there is always something unusual to discover. For the exhibitors of Les Ateliers, too, taking part boosts their image. In 2019, this is set to become even more important due to the selection of brands and the design of the stands. I take a very positive view on this project."

For Max Büsser, owner and mastermind of MB&F, 2019 will be the 11th occasion that he has exhibited at Baselworld. “It is fantastic to finally be showing alongside all our high-end independent creator friends in Hall 1.0”, he says. “The location seems amazing, and the curation of creators alongside us has stepped up in parallel. It is a perfect scenario for us. With fewer brands showing at Baselworld, retailers and journalists have more time and are less stressed. Consequently, 2019 should be even better than previous years.”

Kari Voutilainen, owner of the eponymous manufacture, is also looking forward to the new location: “I think that new placement is very good and finally our work is going to be valued as it should be. It will be even busier compared with previous years. For me, Baselworld is THE watch show of the year.”